What To Know
- Virginia’s climate is perfect for growing these delicious berries, but knowing how to grow strawberry in Virginia is key to a bountiful harvest.
- Once your strawberry plants are in the ground, you need to provide them with the right care to ensure a successful harvest.
- A layer of mulch, such as straw or wood chips, will help to suppress weeds, conserve moisture, and keep the soil cool.
Are you dreaming of juicy, ripe strawberries straight from your own garden? Virginia’s climate is perfect for growing these delicious berries, but knowing how to grow strawberry in Virginia is key to a bountiful harvest. This guide will walk you through the process, from choosing the right variety to harvesting your sweet rewards.
Choosing the Right Strawberry Variety for Virginia
The first step to growing strawberries in Virginia is selecting the right variety. Virginia’s climate offers a long growing season, which means you have a wide range of options. Here are some popular varieties that thrive in Virginia’s conditions:
- June-bearing: These varieties produce a single, large crop in June. They are known for their excellent flavor and size. Popular June-bearing varieties include:
- Earliglow: Early ripening, large, and sweet.
- Allstar: High-yielding and disease-resistant.
- Chandler: Well-known for flavor and size.
- Everbearing: These varieties produce fruit throughout the growing season, starting in late spring and continuing into fall. They are ideal for a continuous supply of fresh berries. Popular Everbearing varieties include:
- Tribute: Produces a large crop of flavorful berries.
- Ozark Beauty: Known for its high yield and disease resistance.
- Day-neutral: These varieties produce fruit throughout the growing season, regardless of the day length. They are perfect for those who want a continuous harvest. Popular Day-neutral varieties include:
- Albion: High-yielding and flavorful.
- Seascape: Produces large, flavorful berries.
When choosing a variety, consider your personal preferences and gardening style. If you prefer a large, single harvest, June-bearing varieties are a great choice. If you want a continuous supply of berries, Everbearing or Day-neutral varieties are ideal.
Preparing Your Strawberry Patch
Strawberries thrive in well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5. Here’s how to prepare your strawberry patch:
1. Choose a sunny location: Strawberries need at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
2. Test your soil: Use a soil test kit to determine the pH of your soil. If it’s too acidic, add lime to raise the pH. If it’s too alkaline, add sulfur to lower the pH.
3. Amend your soil: Incorporate organic matter, such as compost or aged manure, into your soil to improve drainage and fertility.
4. Prepare the bed: Create a raised bed or mound for your strawberry plants. This will help with drainage and prevent crown rot.
Planting Your Strawberry Plants
Once your strawberry patch is prepared, you can plant your plants:
1. Choose healthy plants: Select plants that are free of diseases and pests.
2. Space your plants properly: Space June-bearing plants 18-24 inches apart in rows that are 3-4 feet apart. Space Everbearing and Day-neutral varieties 12-18 inches apart.
3. Plant at the correct depth: Plant the strawberry crowns at or slightly above soil level.
4. Water thoroughly: Water your plants deeply after planting.
Caring for Your Strawberry Plants
Once your strawberry plants are in the ground, you need to provide them with the right care to ensure a successful harvest:
- Water regularly: Strawberries need consistent moisture, especially during the flowering and fruiting stages. Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth.
- Fertilize regularly: Strawberries are heavy feeders and benefit from regular fertilization. Use a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, every 4-6 weeks.
- Mulch your plants: A layer of mulch, such as straw or wood chips, will help to suppress weeds, conserve moisture, and keep the soil cool.
- Control pests and diseases: Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, and take steps to control them promptly.
Harvesting Your Strawberry Crop
The reward for your hard work is a delicious crop of fresh strawberries! Here’s how to harvest your strawberries:
- Pick berries when they are ripe: Ripe strawberries will be firm, bright red, and have a sweet aroma.
- Pick berries gently: Avoid bruising the berries by picking them carefully.
- Store berries properly: Store freshly picked strawberries in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Renewing Your Strawberry Patch
Strawberry plants are perennial, but they will eventually need to be renewed. Here’s how to do it:
- Renew June-bearing plants every 3-4 years: After 3-4 years, June-bearing plants will start to decline in production. Renew them by planting new plants or by dividing existing plants.
- Renew Everbearing and Day-neutral plants every 2-3 years: Everbearing and Day-neutral plants have a shorter lifespan than June-bearing plants. Renew them by planting new plants or by dividing existing plants.
Your Strawberry Harvest: A Year-Round Delight
Growing strawberries in Virginia is a rewarding experience. With the right care, you can enjoy a delicious harvest of fresh, juicy berries throughout the year.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: When is the best time to plant strawberries in Virginia?
A: The best time to plant strawberries in Virginia is in the fall, from September to October. This allows the plants to establish their roots before winter. You can also plant in the spring, but it is important to get the plants in the ground early, before the weather gets too hot.
Q: How do I protect my strawberry plants from frost?
A: Strawberries are susceptible to frost damage. To protect your plants, you can cover them with row covers, burlap, or blankets when temperatures are expected to drop below freezing.
Q: What are some common pests and diseases that affect strawberries?
A: Some common pests that affect strawberries include aphids, spider mites, and slugs. Common diseases include powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot.
Q: How do I prevent strawberry plants from producing runners?
A: Runners are the stems that strawberry plants produce to spread. If you want to prevent your plants from producing runners, you can pinch them off as they appear.
Q: Can I grow strawberries in containers?
A: Yes, you can grow strawberries in containers. Choose a container that is at least 12 inches wide and deep, and fill it with a well-draining potting mix. Make sure to water your container-grown plants regularly.
